You have no idea how pleased I am that my doctorate in epidemiology can finally be used for knitting purposes, as I convert a vest pattern for my lovely lady 😀
Wow absolute gem of a video! As a weaver who enjoys weaving math I have decided I want to knit a sweater using my handspun but it’s smaller than all of the patterns I have found. Now I get to learn knitting math! Yay!
This is over a year after the video was posted. I just want to thank you for posting this. I could actually understand what you were saying AND I believe I can do this! Blessings. Happy Holiday.
This video was so helpful ! I have a sweater i want to knit but wanted to do it in another yarn and this solved my issue. So i am using a 2 fine with a pattern that called for worsted so now I know how to use the yarn I want. Thank you for taking the time to explaining all this. Please don't ever delete this video I think it will help so many people, especially new knitters.
Actually math is very useful. Even in ordinary life tasks (cooking comes to mind but other household tasks can involve math and many hobbies do) as well as in engineering projects and in science in general.
This is so helpful. I am 3 different sizes according to every knitting pattern I ever tried. So I am not afraid of math. I saw a sweater, no pattern. It did not fit. I am going to make it using my favorite pattern as a base and sub light worsted for dk. I will add color work and shaping. I think $40 in yarn vs $450 for the commercial sweater is worth the effort.
Best of luck! Keep in mind that colorwork will typically produce a tighter gauge than stockinette, so if you are going to swatch, swatch the colorwork not just stockinette.
OMG! Finally!🎉👍🙏 I have been looking for a video to explain this to me for so long, and I finally came upon yours today and I’m so so happy!💯😊 I can’t believe how many RUclips videos I watched about yarn substitution- & none of them answered the question that you just did in this video! Thank you so much for this video. Thank you! Thank you thank you!
Well, it's a pretty complicated subject and for me it's not really worth the time and effort LOL But if you want to do it you can go for it! I'd love to hear how it works out.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Well, I have a degree in math so I have no problem with math calculations in my hobbies such as knitting, sewing, crocheting, and quilting. I convert quilt patterns that are composed of geometric shapes from original size to whatever size I need for my project. For instance, I reduced one pattern to make a pot holder of tiny pieces, hand sewn. It came out great. I can convert size of pieces for any desired size of finished pieced object. So that is a big plus for me resizing pieced quilt tops.
This was really great, thanks! You're very clear and obviously know what you're talking about. I'm making a bulky weight yarn poncho pattern with dk and I think it'll work now!
So glad I found your video. I haven't been able to find a video that talks about this for crochet, but this doesn't seem to be specific to knitting, so gonna try this.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video!! There were so many tips in here that I didn’t even expect or know about. I’ve been teaching myself to knit over the course of the past year & there are so many details like these that would just be impossible to know without people like you. Much appreciated 🥰💜
I'm so glad it helped you. You might want to look at some of my other videos. I try my best to hit subjects that often go unspoken and assumed in knitting.
Definitely a very informative video. The exitement then starts when I really get into substituting yarns. I also find it helps me to do a schematic of what I want to knit like you did with your example. It helps me not to overlook any of those crucial caculation. Great video for a complicated topic. And yes great top. It also colour co-ordinates with the scarf on your silent partner.
Thank you so much for doing all the math. I know that's not your favorite thing to do. But this does make a lot of sense and it's very helpful. Thanks Barbara.
Great video!!!! You actually explained it in words what I painstakingly learned on my own. Calculating those numbers. I used fingering and doubled it to DK. The foxtrot cardigan turned out beautifully. I had a bunch of fingering weight yarn and the pattern called for DK. And it did take a lot of math. You're awesome! And brilliant.
THANK YOU. I'm going to crochet a blanket pattern that calls for 6wt and i want to use a 4wt yarn. I had to watch your video a couple times, with my gauge and calculator handy and IT WORKED OUT! I now know how to adjust the pattern, I'm excited to get started now. I searched and searched, you are the only one who TRULY explained the match, thanks again. 😊
Thank you for the explanation! I have a worsted weight cable sweater pattern I really want to make, but only bulky weight yarn in my stash. It'll take a whole lot of math to figure out, but I think it'll work out in the end!
What a perfect explanation!! I have a 12ply pattern that I want to knit but I only have 10ply wool. This video has given me the confidence to go ahead and give it a try. Thx heaps.
Thank you so much for this helpful tutorial Barbara x I have often wanted to change the yarn for a pattern because I have enough in one weight in my stash but the pattern I like is in another You have saved me (and my purse) so much Even my Hubster will be happy that I will be using yarn from my stash and not buying more :) Thanks again I wish you well xx
Thank you I am excited to make hundreds of swatches of rounds. I have never knitted before, but thanks to you I found the perfect starting place for my beanie designs. Barbara and any one else, If you are interested in my studies I can link youto my workshop website where I will place information eventually. Thank you so much!
This video helped so much. I want to work on a cardigan called Folklore Cardigan where there are two versions of a certain singer's cardigan. I like lace weight and the pattern is in DK (the paid version). I think I may have to redo the pattern but I love smaller stitches and the look of machine knitted. I appreciate this a lot!
"swatches are for wussies!" LOL!!!! I couldn't resist....I read that posted somewhere and couldn't stop laughing. Excellent tutorial....thanks Barbara! I needed this video 3 yrs ago when I substituted the fiber for my husband's sweater. Worked out great until I reached the division for the raglan sleeves (too small:(. I had to do some calculation at that point to correct the problem to avoid raveling what I had already finished:) Final result was great, but now I always do the calculations for the entire sweater whenever I sub fibers. Great vid, great tips....you always wear such pretty tops!:)
I am a new subscriber and absolutely love this video. I am trying to knit socks that are in fingering weight but I want to use DK yarn. I so needed this tutorial. Thank you so much ❤
My high school chemistry teacher taught us to figure out fractions by units: sts/in x in = sts, for example. This fractions trick has been one of the most useful things I ever learned! And here we are again. THANK YOU for this video!
Thank you for your informative tutorial. I am doing the swatch now and I will revisit after I have got gauge. I would like to knit a Sweater that is for DK weight yarn but I would like to use Sport weight yarn. We shall see what happens. Thank you for your help.
You have good timing, cuz I was trying that this week. Lol! So Thanks for the information. Btw I like your blouse, its pretty and that color looks good on you.
i can tell im about to keep this open, stab at it on my own, wish i had stayed with the video and taken your wise advice. i feel it in my bones. be right back
@@WatchBarbaraKnit thankyou!! it went (is going) pretty alright since the yarn isn't SUPER different (just one size bigger). I kept your video open for reference just incase and it was super helpful!! thankyou so much
I think I would consider myself an intermediate knitter...depending on what type of knitting I'm doing. I >just< finished a shawl that is lace knitting and in this genre I am a rank novice! But I saw a picture of this pattern...gasped...had to "be still my heart"...searched for THE right yarn/color for a few months...purchased it and could NOT wait to get started. I determined to take it slow so that I did it right. ...got about 20 rows in and realized I'd not done something right...ripped it all out. Fixed whatever the issue was and it was looking really good. (whew!) Took me a few weeks to get 'er done...and it's not as big as I wanted. This morning I pulled up the full pattern...and figured out the size I was wanting was for Aran weight...I used DK weight cotton. (face palm!) I googled and found you video! THANK YOU! It's also made me think: this pattern is done in repeated patterns of 12 stitches. So...right now at this point in time...I am seriously thinking of getting my finished project (that's going to be my swatch)...figuring my stitches per inch ...and then figuring everything from what the pattern states is stitches per inch for the Aran weight. But also ... I'll have to take into account the 12 stitch repeated pattern: cast on will have to allow for that, as well. If I can figure all this...then I'm most likely going to rip out the entire shawl...and do it...again. The shawl is, indeed beautiful...but not what I wanted. The pattern took my breath away...so it's just gotta be done right. My usual M.O. is ..."Meh...it'll do." But I'm trying to get out of that and make what >I< want...and do it right. YOU, my dear lady...have just helped me immensely! Again, thank you for seeing the need and filling it. ...by the way, count me as a New Subscriber! Love and blessings to you, M'am. Edit: the pattern of which I'm speaking is "Wings for Nightbird" and it is on Ravelry as a free pattern.
Well, a light bulb just went off in my head. There are so many patterns for shrugs. I was so fixated on this particular pattern, that I didn't think about looking at other shrug patterns which do use the yarn that I have in mind which is worsted Aaron wool yarn weight 4. So I jumped into Ravelry and started looking. Lo and behold, I found one! It's a bit different from the one I had in mind, but it's just as nice.( I will still do a swatch of course!) So don't worry about replying to my question.☺☺
I'm glad you got it sorted. When faced with either doing all of the math myself and just finding a different pattern I always go for a different pattern LOL.
Absolutely brilliant information. Knitted a lovely toque for my daughter in law and it was too big. Of course the yarn she then chose for a new hat had no relation to the pattern. It was a bulky yarn, lovey Lambs Pride from my stash but the pattern is worsted. Because of your instructions I am well on the way to a successful gift. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more from your clear and helpful videos. Wishing you success and health and safety in the coming year. 🤗 fromCanada.
Hello I am from Canada as well and I am trying to knit an item for my grandson the pattern calls for a slightly lighter weight yarn than what I want to use and I am wondering how to make the adjustments. Barbra's video was helpful but I am still stuck a bit. I want to make a hat and I am not sure how to make the changes. Janice D.
Hi Janice, I suggest you buy Ann Budd’s book “The Knitters Handy Book of Patterns” it gives you patterns with numerous options. Look it up. Perhaps it’s in your local library. Cost about $30.00 but an investment. On the front of the book it shows hats, gloves etc. she also has a sweater book of different sizes etc and a sock knitting book. 💛💛
As always, truly excellent video! Question: when substituting the yarn, should I use the recommended knitting needle size in the pattern or the suggested knitting needle size for the yarn I am substituting? Before I can knit the gauge swatch, I need to know which needle size I should use, to achieve gauge. Therefore, if I am going from worsted yarn weight (which the pattern calls for) to DK weight, should I use the needle size recommended in the pattern or the recommended sizer the DK weight yarn label suggests? Thank you very much 🤗🧶
I think that this video might help you: ruclips.net/video/6Af5G07iok4/видео.html But the short answer is that you need to use whatever needle size that gets you a fabric that you like. If you are changing the yarn size then you will be changing the gauge.
I’m so happy I finally found this video! Once you explained it so clearly it made so much sense. I’m going to try converting a simple sweater pattern from worsted to DK!! 😁 Thanks so much for making this!!
I was thinking of using a heavier yarn and larger needles and just knitting a medium when I would normally knit the large. I do this when crocheting slippers and it works. Curious to trying with a grament.
Hi Barbara, Thank you so very very much for this tutorial and education on substituting yarn - something that I always have to do since I can't always buy the same yarn recommended in the pattern. Your video is so helpful and necessary for a good outcome! I instantly "liked", "shared" and "subscribed" (LSS) to your channel.... thank you once again. Looking forward to more videos from you.🥰
Thankyou Barbara. After reading the comments from many obviously experienced knitters, I think my question may seem very basic. I wish to knit a Sport weight pattern in a DK weight yarn. So do I knit my swatch on the size needles listed on the DK ball band? Or on needles that give me the gauge stated in the pattern (for Sport)? I'm sorry for such a basic question but would appreciate your help. Thankyou kindly.
You would need to figure out the needle size that gives you the gauge stated on the pattern. But you might change the nature of the fabric and your yarn usage might be different.
I get too hot in knitted items that are thick so I prefer to use fingering yarns. I re-figured a cable top from DK / sport weight yarn to fingering. I had to double the number of cable repeats across the top half of the back and fronts. I also changed the needle size down to 1.5 from a US#3 when I got to the cables. This whole process involved a lot of frogging but I am almost done and very happy with the results so far. I should join your facebook page so I can show pictures.
Excellent explanation - especially on working a sweater - and all the various dimensions and changes that have to be made. Thank you! Seems easier to find the closest yarn in my book :-D
This is amazing thank you so much for the info. I am new to knitting and I am trying to knit my first sweater but I do not have the yarn that the pattern cost for so I really wanted to know if I can just do a DK Tupe of yarn or find something similar and this really helped out. Thank you so much cannot wait to do my first sweater.
I have a pattern (cardigan) for #4 worsted and 11mm/8 needles. Love the pattern, just too airy for my liking. I'm assuming I can use this same theory to adjust the needle size as well. Going to give this a try , Thank You so much!!
Thank you. Most yarn substitution-how-to videos only discuss the same yarn weight. A project I'm doing required Sport Yarn but I only have Sock/Fingering Yarn and I'm going insane because that glove is something that's gonna be used for the body so it needs to be accurate😅😄 I just figured maybe I'll judt add 2 more stitches
Thank you for all of your help! I need a little more help with yarn substitution for a hat that calls for a chunky yarn but I want to use a Lion Wool-Ease, which is a bulky weight yarn. Can you offer some additional advice? Please and thank-you. Janice D.
Super interesting video, even though I'm not so adventurous to try it! However, I do the reverse for Japanese patterns! :) I'm larger than the "standard" Japanese lady, so I need to adjust the patterns. Thankfully, they rarely have shaping and it's quite easy to do, but I realized that it's much easier to actually find a yarn that will allow me to knit the same number of stitches as the pattern says, but get a size that fits me. So, say, the pattern would give me a sweater that's 80 cm of bust with 130 stitches, and I need 100 cm of bust, I do the math to find how many stitches per 10 cm I need to knit so that 130 stitches gives me 100 cm. And I find a yarn that fits that swatch - and just follow the pattern as is!
Thank you, loved your tutorial 🧶. I’m definitely not up to figuring all this math🤪. I’ll use what is designed for the pattern. But it’s all good information, thank you for explaining it. 💓
Thank you so much for this, Barbara! Is there any way to figure the change in yardage that a weight change would create? Or best to do the swatch, figure the yardage of the swatch, and multiply it back out for the whole piece? Thanks!!
You got it! It all comes back to math. Some people use geometry to calculate the total surface area of the piece and use the yarn usage from the swatch to math that out. I am not much on geometry so I calculate the number of stitches per gram I get in my swatch and then the number of stitches in the final project, divide the total stitches by stitches per gram to get the total grammage I need for the project. There are many ways to get to the solution.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit you can use a kitchen scale to weigh the grams in the swatch you make. And determine the grams per square inch which with the number of square inches in the knitted project and grams for the project in the original yarn can be used to compute grams needed in the new yarn.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. If I double a lace yarn will it be a fingering weight? And if I have a yarn of acrilic blend with cotton and merino yarn can I make a sweater in it?
Dear Barbara, Thank you so much for your work. I have a pattern I love that calls for lace + light fingering held together = fingering. I would like to use the yarn lace + fingering = something similar to DK. I get gauge when I use the needles recommended. However, the fabric is too dense for me, and I prefer the looseness going up. 5 in needle size. Question: Is it possible to just knit a small size with the bigger needles and hope for the best? This a positive ease oversize pattern.
Is it possible? Anything is possible. Are you just hoping for the best, yes. It may or may not work. One good thing about sweaters is that you can frequently try them on as you go and get a good idea if it's working. But it is a "living on the edge" sort of approach.
I've done the math and managed to change a pattern for my new weight.. what I find I am not sure on doing is looking at my stash and not wanting to resort to guessing whether i will have enough... its probably a math/swatch formula.. but I'm a hands on learner and if you have a formula I can run with it. thank you, will look for you on Ravelry too.
I’m going to convert from a chunky to a dk. I don’t want to double the yarn because it will affect the print. It’s a child size drop sleeve pullover with no shaping other than the arm decreases and neck shaping and a hood. Wish me luck!
Great informative video. Is the process easier if I want to use only one strand of yarn instead of holding 2 together. I can't do a gauge swatch as I don't yet have the yarn. Is it as simple as two lighter weight yarns equals one heavier weight yarn?
MATH: Lol I suffer with dyscalculia. So I just wing it. A hat will fit someone along the line. Love you & your channel. You have some good content and you are not stuck up or stuffy like some on here. Take Care x
Very good video. True, a bit complicated but worth it, if you’re game! And I never knew 2 strands of fingering is DK weight! Go figure! Where have I been for the past 5 years I’ve been knitting? Thank you for this. 😊
Hi Barbara Can I knit a teddy bear in 100 Peruvian wool and the clothes in a 50 Alpaca and 50 Suri wool the guages are the same but I need more drape on the clothes than the Bear will it work?
So glad I found your site today. Have been spending a lot of retirement time trying to figure this out. I had found you once before - now I am subscribed! Your channel will help me save a LOT of time from now on and I can do more knitting than researching on my own. Yippee!
Thank you! How would I substitute different weight yarns for a crocheting pattern? I have a crochet cardigan pattern that calls for a 5 weight. I want to use a 4 weight. Thank you in advance.
I am afraid that I do not crochet so I cannot give you an educated response to this question. My guess would be that the process would be very similar with knitting a gauge swatch and doing the math.
Hi can you help me with this case I need to knit a stockinette stitch for a beanie that I have light/ DK weight yarn and 4mm needles and the pattern call for worsted weight yarn and 5.5mm needles not sure how many stitches should I cast on hope you can help thank you Gloria
All of the assistance I can provide is in this video. It depends entirely on your personal gauge. Your best bet would be to find a pattern designed for your yarn weight.
What if I use a higher mm needle with three strands of fingering yarn (3ply) like no.7 to get equal to the no 9 (13mm) needle for the chunky yarn 'throw' pattern. Of course I would do the swatch given: 15 stitches and 14 rows per 4" square? Do you think it might work?. Please respond ASAP.
Wonderful video! I understand the math with adjusting gauge. My question, the pattern I want to do calls for 2376yds worsted weight, the yarn I want to use is chunky, which I have 1040yds. Before I do all conversion math for gauge. How can I calculate if I have enough chunky yarn?
You have no idea how pleased I am that my doctorate in epidemiology can finally be used for knitting purposes, as I convert a vest pattern for my lovely lady 😀
LOL, it really does feel like it takes an advanced degree to do some of this math. Have fun!
Yes Barbara my brain does hurt, but you are the best teacher who explains perfectly. Thankyou very much for this video.
Thank you so much. Good luck if you are giving it a shot!
This is why knitting is good for your brain! Such a clear explanation of a complex topic. Thank you 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Bless you for this in depth explanation! lol. You deserve a medal! I usually just guess and experiment to see what I like.
Living dangerously is fun in it's own way, but I am a control freak LOL.
Wow absolute gem of a video! As a weaver who enjoys weaving math I have decided I want to knit a sweater using my handspun but it’s smaller than all of the patterns I have found. Now I get to learn knitting math! Yay!
Well if you love math then you'll have a ton of fun with this LOL!
You have a pleasant voice and speak to your viewers not at us. Thank You!
Thank you so much for this uplifting comment.
This is over a year after the video was posted. I just want to thank you for posting this. I could actually understand what you were saying AND I believe I can do this! Blessings. Happy Holiday.
Glad it helped! You can totally do it!
This video was so helpful ! I have a sweater i want to knit but wanted to do it in another yarn and this solved my issue. So i am using a 2 fine with a pattern that called for worsted so now I know how to use the yarn I want. Thank you for taking the time to explaining all this. Please don't ever delete this video I think it will help so many people, especially new knitters.
I am glad you liked the video. Good luck with all of the MATH! ;)
And this is why we need to know math. Thank you for the thorough explanation.
SO MUCH MATH LOL
Actually math is very useful. Even in ordinary life tasks (cooking comes to mind but other household tasks can involve math and many hobbies do) as well as in engineering projects and in science in general.
This is so helpful. I am 3 different sizes according to every knitting pattern I ever tried. So I am not afraid of math. I saw a sweater, no pattern. It did not fit. I am going to make it using my favorite pattern as a base and sub light worsted for dk. I will add color work and shaping. I think $40 in yarn vs $450 for the commercial sweater is worth the effort.
Best of luck! Keep in mind that colorwork will typically produce a tighter gauge than stockinette, so if you are going to swatch, swatch the colorwork not just stockinette.
Thank you! It has been hard to find someone to explain this is a straight forward manner.
It's a super confusing process LOL
This was so helpful! I'm trying to substitute from a pattern calling for super bulky down to Super Merino. I feel like I can actually do this!
OMG! Finally!🎉👍🙏 I have been looking for a video to explain this to me for so long, and I finally came upon yours today and I’m so so happy!💯😊 I can’t believe how many RUclips videos I watched about yarn substitution- & none of them answered the question that you just did in this video! Thank you so much for this video. Thank you! Thank you thank you!
Well, it's a pretty complicated subject and for me it's not really worth the time and effort LOL But if you want to do it you can go for it! I'd love to hear how it works out.
This is a very clear video on how to do this.
I am so glad it was helpful.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Well, I have a degree in math so I have no problem with math calculations in my hobbies such as knitting, sewing, crocheting, and quilting.
I convert quilt patterns that are composed of geometric shapes from original size to whatever size I need for my project. For instance, I reduced one pattern to make a pot holder of tiny pieces, hand sewn. It came out great.
I can convert size of pieces for any desired size of finished pieced object. So that is a big plus for me resizing pieced quilt tops.
This was really great, thanks! You're very clear and obviously know what you're talking about. I'm making a bulky weight yarn poncho pattern with dk and I think it'll work now!
Best of luck! Attack with confidence and it'll go great.
So glad I found your video. I haven't been able to find a video that talks about this for crochet, but this doesn't seem to be specific to knitting, so gonna try this.
I am on shaky ground when it comes to crochet, but I think that the concepts should translate at least some. Good luck!
Thank you SO MUCH for this video!! There were so many tips in here that I didn’t even expect or know about. I’ve been teaching myself to knit over the course of the past year & there are so many details like these that would just be impossible to know without people like you. Much appreciated 🥰💜
I'm so glad it helped you. You might want to look at some of my other videos. I try my best to hit subjects that often go unspoken and assumed in knitting.
Clearest description I’ve found, many thanks.
Glad it helped!
Definitely a very informative video. The exitement then starts when I really get into substituting yarns. I also find it helps me to do a schematic of what I want to knit like you did with your example. It helps me not to overlook any of those crucial caculation. Great video for a complicated topic.
And yes great top. It also colour co-ordinates with the scarf on your silent partner.
Yes, drawing it all out would help a lot!
Thank you so much for this video Barbara
this video CALLED to me and everything youre saying is music to my ears i love you ❤
Have fun with your MATH!
As complicated as this sounds it was exactly what I needed. Thank you so very much.
I'm so glad it was helpful. It's the kind of thing that takes a bit to wrap your brain around!
Thank you so much for doing all the math. I know that's not your favorite thing to do. But this does make a lot of sense and it's very helpful. Thanks Barbara.
It was baby math - no way I could fit a sweater into a 15 min video LOL.
Great video!!!! You actually explained it in words what I painstakingly learned on my own. Calculating those numbers. I used fingering and doubled it to DK. The foxtrot cardigan turned out beautifully. I had a bunch of fingering weight yarn and the pattern called for DK. And it did take a lot of math. You're awesome! And brilliant.
I'm so glad to have confirmation. Sometimes I worry that my experience might be unique LOL. I'm so glad you had a successful project!
THANK YOU. I'm going to crochet a blanket pattern that calls for 6wt and i want to use a 4wt yarn. I had to watch your video a couple times, with my gauge and calculator handy and IT WORKED OUT! I now know how to adjust the pattern, I'm excited to get started now. I searched and searched, you are the only one who TRULY explained the match, thanks again. 😊
I am so excited what I was saying worked for crochet as well!
Oh! It's so good to see you in a bright color again!
It's so hot in the Summer I have to wear light colors LOL.
Thank you for the explanation! I have a worsted weight cable sweater pattern I really want to make, but only bulky weight yarn in my stash. It'll take a whole lot of math to figure out, but I think it'll work out in the end!
You can do it!
What a perfect explanation!! I have a 12ply pattern that I want to knit but I only have 10ply wool. This video has given me the confidence to go ahead and give it a try. Thx heaps.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this helpful tutorial Barbara x I have often wanted to change the yarn for a pattern because I have enough in one weight in my stash but the pattern I like is in another You have saved me (and my purse) so much Even my Hubster will be happy that I will be using yarn from my stash and not buying more :) Thanks again I wish you well xx
Have fun making it work for you!
Thank you I am excited to make hundreds of swatches of rounds. I have never knitted before, but thanks to you I found the perfect starting place for my beanie designs. Barbara and any one else, If you are interested in my studies I can link youto my workshop website where I will place information eventually. Thank you so much!
Have a ton of fun!
This video helped so much. I want to work on a cardigan called Folklore Cardigan where there are two versions of a certain singer's cardigan. I like lace weight and the pattern is in DK (the paid version). I think I may have to redo the pattern but I love smaller stitches and the look of machine knitted. I appreciate this a lot!
That is going to be a huge shift! Best of luck.
Your voice is so pleasant and soothing.
Thank you so much for that sentiment. I have a hard time listening to myself, but doesn't everyone?
"swatches are for wussies!" LOL!!!! I couldn't resist....I read that posted somewhere and couldn't stop laughing. Excellent tutorial....thanks Barbara! I needed this video 3 yrs ago when I substituted the fiber for my husband's sweater. Worked out great until I reached the division for the raglan sleeves (too small:(. I had to do some calculation at that point to correct the problem to avoid raveling what I had already finished:) Final result was great, but now I always do the calculations for the entire sweater whenever I sub fibers. Great vid, great tips....you always wear such pretty tops!:)
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you!
I am a new subscriber and absolutely love this video. I am trying to knit socks that are in fingering weight but I want to use DK yarn. I so needed this tutorial. Thank you so much ❤
Best of luck with that and have fun!
I am considering doing a shawl in DK that calls for fingering weight. This is exactly what I needed! You explain things so clearly! Thank you. 😁💚🧶
Yay! You can also simply knit with two strands of fingering weight held together because fingering x 2 = DK.
My high school chemistry teacher taught us to figure out fractions by units: sts/in x in = sts, for example. This fractions trick has been one of the most useful things I ever learned! And here we are again. THANK YOU for this video!
Math is everywhere!
You did an amazing job explaining this and I got it all. Still not gonna do it, but I get it!
LOL! At least you have the knowledge.
GOOD step-wise, logical, concise explanation. Thank you.
That is great to hear!
You think you've seen all the stunning patterns out there, then this comes along!
Aww, thank you!
You are amazing at this subject! mmmm I got a lot of thinking to do…
Thank you! Best of luck with your mathing.
Thank you for your informative tutorial. I am doing the swatch now and I will revisit after I have got gauge. I would like to knit a Sweater that is for DK weight yarn but I would like to use Sport weight yarn. We shall see what happens. Thank you for your help.
You can do it! The difference between sport and dk isn't that much.
You have good timing, cuz I was trying that this week. Lol! So Thanks for the information. Btw I like your blouse, its pretty and that color looks good on you.
Thank you!
Great job explaining. God bless you. It all made sense and I can now appreciate the difficulty of this concept. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
i can tell im about to keep this open, stab at it on my own, wish i had stayed with the video and taken your wise advice. i feel it in my bones. be right back
I hope it went well.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit thankyou!! it went (is going) pretty alright since the yarn isn't SUPER different (just one size bigger). I kept your video open for reference just incase and it was super helpful!! thankyou so much
I think I would consider myself an intermediate knitter...depending on what type of knitting I'm doing. I >just< finished a shawl that is lace knitting and in this genre I am a rank novice! But I saw a picture of this pattern...gasped...had to "be still my heart"...searched for THE right yarn/color for a few months...purchased it and could NOT wait to get started. I determined to take it slow so that I did it right. ...got about 20 rows in and realized I'd not done something right...ripped it all out. Fixed whatever the issue was and it was looking really good. (whew!) Took me a few weeks to get 'er done...and it's not as big as I wanted. This morning I pulled up the full pattern...and figured out the size I was wanting was for Aran weight...I used DK weight cotton. (face palm!) I googled and found you video! THANK YOU! It's also made me think: this pattern is done in repeated patterns of 12 stitches. So...right now at this point in time...I am seriously thinking of getting my finished project (that's going to be my swatch)...figuring my stitches per inch ...and then figuring everything from what the pattern states is stitches per inch for the Aran weight. But also ... I'll have to take into account the 12 stitch repeated pattern: cast on will have to allow for that, as well. If I can figure all this...then I'm most likely going to rip out the entire shawl...and do it...again. The shawl is, indeed beautiful...but not what I wanted. The pattern took my breath away...so it's just gotta be done right. My usual M.O. is ..."Meh...it'll do." But I'm trying to get out of that and make what >I< want...and do it right. YOU, my dear lady...have just helped me immensely! Again, thank you for seeing the need and filling it. ...by the way, count me as a New Subscriber! Love and blessings to you, M'am.
Edit: the pattern of which I'm speaking is "Wings for Nightbird" and it is on Ravelry as a free pattern.
You can do it! If you do all this work you will appreciate the end product all the more. Welcome to the channel!
Well, a light bulb just went off in my head. There are so many patterns for shrugs. I was so fixated on this particular pattern, that I didn't think about looking at other shrug patterns which do use the yarn that I have in mind which is worsted Aaron wool yarn weight 4. So I jumped into Ravelry and started looking. Lo and behold, I found one! It's a bit different from the one I had in mind, but it's just as nice.( I will still do a swatch of course!) So don't worry about replying to my question.☺☺
I'm glad you got it sorted. When faced with either doing all of the math myself and just finding a different pattern I always go for a different pattern LOL.
Absolutely brilliant information. Knitted a lovely toque for my daughter in law and it was too big. Of course the yarn she then chose for a new hat had no relation to the pattern. It was a bulky yarn, lovey Lambs Pride from my stash but the pattern is worsted. Because of your instructions I am well on the way to a successful gift. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more from your clear and helpful videos.
Wishing you success and health and safety in the coming year.
🤗 fromCanada.
I'm so glad that I can be helpful!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit you were and continue to be. Thank you Barbara.
Hello I am from Canada as well and I am trying to knit an item for my grandson the pattern calls for a slightly lighter weight yarn than what I want to use and I am wondering how to make the adjustments. Barbra's video was helpful but I am still stuck a bit. I want to make a hat and I am not sure how to make the changes. Janice D.
Hi Janice, I suggest you buy Ann Budd’s book “The Knitters Handy Book of Patterns” it gives you patterns with numerous options.
Look it up. Perhaps it’s in your local library. Cost about $30.00 but an investment. On the front of the book it shows hats, gloves etc. she also has a sweater book of different sizes etc and a sock knitting book. 💛💛
The garment book by Ann B is The Knitters Handy book of Top Down Sweaters.
1) this was so helpful!
2) loving your Baby Groot figuring!
3) I LOVE your hair! I wish I can get my curly mane to do that
LOL, my hair does mainly what it wants to. Right now, after a year and a half of no cuts, it's a hot mess.
Barbara, thank you so much for explaining this a little more clearly. It was such a help.
I am so glad it was helpful. I was worried I was just making things more confusing.
As always, truly excellent video! Question: when substituting the yarn, should I use the recommended knitting needle size in the pattern or the suggested knitting needle size for the yarn I am substituting? Before I can knit the gauge swatch, I need to know which needle size I should use, to achieve gauge. Therefore, if I am going from worsted yarn weight (which the pattern calls for) to DK weight, should I use the needle size recommended in the pattern or the recommended sizer the DK weight yarn label suggests? Thank you very much 🤗🧶
I think that this video might help you: ruclips.net/video/6Af5G07iok4/видео.html But the short answer is that you need to use whatever needle size that gets you a fabric that you like. If you are changing the yarn size then you will be changing the gauge.
I’m so happy I finally found this video! Once you explained it so clearly it made so much sense. I’m going to try converting a simple sweater pattern from worsted to DK!! 😁 Thanks so much for making this!!
Best of luck!
I was thinking of using a heavier yarn and larger needles and just knitting a medium when I would normally knit the large. I do this when crocheting slippers and it works. Curious to trying with a grament.
Hi Barbara,
Thank you so very very much for this tutorial and education on substituting yarn - something that I always have to do since I can't always buy the same yarn recommended in the pattern. Your video is so helpful and necessary for a good outcome! I instantly "liked", "shared" and "subscribed" (LSS) to your channel.... thank you once again. Looking forward to more videos from you.🥰
You are so welcome!
Awesome explanation for yarn weight substitution, thank you!
Glad to be of help!
Thank you for your video. I have done substitutions between DK and worsted. I actually like doing the math involved. I'm weird that way.
That's awesome! And DK and Worsted aren't that far apart so it's not too bad.
Thankyou Barbara. After reading the comments from many obviously experienced knitters, I think my question may seem very basic. I wish to knit a Sport weight pattern in a DK weight yarn. So do I knit my swatch on the size needles listed on the DK ball band? Or on needles that give me the gauge stated in the pattern (for Sport)? I'm sorry for such a basic question but would appreciate your help. Thankyou kindly.
You would need to figure out the needle size that gives you the gauge stated on the pattern. But you might change the nature of the fabric and your yarn usage might be different.
Thank you so much for your explanation on this, Barbara! Now I gotta revive my math skills for the vest project. :(
So much math LOL!
I get too hot in knitted items that are thick so I prefer to use fingering yarns. I re-figured a cable top from DK / sport weight yarn to fingering. I had to double the number of cable repeats across the top half of the back and fronts. I also changed the needle size down to 1.5 from a US#3 when I got to the cables. This whole process involved a lot of frogging but I am almost done and very happy with the results so far. I should join your facebook page so I can show pictures.
I would love to see your pictures! Sounds like you are a fearless knitter.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Excellent explanation - especially on working a sweater - and all the various dimensions and changes that have to be made.
Thank you! Seems easier to find the closest yarn in my book :-D
Yeah, I'd rather not do the math.
Thank you very much for this video! Easy to follow and straight to the point 🌷👍
I don't know about easy, but I tried LOL
This is amazing thank you so much for the info. I am new to knitting and I am trying to knit my first sweater but I do not have the yarn that the pattern cost for so I really wanted to know if I can just do a DK Tupe of yarn or find something similar and this really helped out. Thank you so much cannot wait to do my first sweater.
You can do it!
I have a pattern (cardigan) for #4 worsted and 11mm/8 needles. Love the pattern, just too airy for my liking. I'm assuming I can use this same theory to adjust the needle size as well. Going to give this a try , Thank You so much!!
In theory LOL! Best of luck.
Thank you. Most yarn substitution-how-to videos only discuss the same yarn weight. A project I'm doing required Sport Yarn but I only have Sock/Fingering Yarn and I'm going insane because that glove is something that's gonna be used for the body so it needs to be accurate😅😄
I just figured maybe I'll judt add 2 more stitches
Modifying a glove is going to be a challenge and I wish you the best of luck!
Wow this is incredible. Will this formula work with crochet as well?
Love your video... I have decided to look for another pattern..... Just found you and will check out your other vids. Thank you so much...
I'm sorry that you can't do what you wanted, but glad I might have saved you some time and heartache.
Thank you for all of your help! I need a little more help with yarn substitution for a hat that calls for a chunky yarn but I want to use a Lion Wool-Ease, which is a bulky weight yarn. Can you offer some additional advice? Please and thank-you. Janice D.
My only advice for that is to swatch. Bulky and chunky are often used interchangeable and don't have a clear definition of which is which.
Super interesting video, even though I'm not so adventurous to try it!
However, I do the reverse for Japanese patterns! :)
I'm larger than the "standard" Japanese lady, so I need to adjust the patterns. Thankfully, they rarely have shaping and it's quite easy to do, but I realized that it's much easier to actually find a yarn that will allow me to knit the same number of stitches as the pattern says, but get a size that fits me. So, say, the pattern would give me a sweater that's 80 cm of bust with 130 stitches, and I need 100 cm of bust, I do the math to find how many stitches per 10 cm I need to knit so that 130 stitches gives me 100 cm. And I find a yarn that fits that swatch - and just follow the pattern as is!
Thank you, Barbara. That was enlightening.
Yay!
Thank you, loved your tutorial 🧶. I’m definitely not up to figuring all this math🤪. I’ll use what is designed for the pattern. But it’s all good information, thank you for explaining it. 💓
Who knows, maybe someday you'll tackle it!
Thank you so much for this, Barbara! Is there any way to figure the change in yardage that a weight change would create? Or best to do the swatch, figure the yardage of the swatch, and multiply it back out for the whole piece? Thanks!!
You got it! It all comes back to math. Some people use geometry to calculate the total surface area of the piece and use the yarn usage from the swatch to math that out. I am not much on geometry so I calculate the number of stitches per gram I get in my swatch and then the number of stitches in the final project, divide the total stitches by stitches per gram to get the total grammage I need for the project. There are many ways to get to the solution.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit you can use a kitchen scale to weigh the grams in the swatch you make. And determine the grams per square inch which with the number of square inches in the knitted project and grams for the project in the original yarn can be used to compute grams needed in the new yarn.
This suggestion is so so useful! Thank you! I'm using this method with a linen fiber and it works so well!
Excellent! You must love the math.
Excellent thanks Barbara
If I could like this 3 x infinity I would this is sooooo helpful and seems to be the only video that can help with this
I'm so glad it will help you!
Thank you so much for sharing this video. If I double a lace yarn will it be a fingering weight? And if I have a yarn of acrilic blend with cotton and merino yarn can I make a sweater in it?
Dear Barbara, Thank you so much for your work. I have a pattern I love that calls for lace + light fingering held together = fingering. I would like to use the yarn lace + fingering = something similar to DK. I get gauge when I use the needles recommended. However, the fabric is too dense for me, and I prefer the looseness going up. 5 in needle size. Question: Is it possible to just knit a small size with the bigger needles and hope for the best? This a positive ease oversize pattern.
Is it possible? Anything is possible. Are you just hoping for the best, yes. It may or may not work. One good thing about sweaters is that you can frequently try them on as you go and get a good idea if it's working. But it is a "living on the edge" sort of approach.
Thank you. Your explanation helped me figure out my conversion. 🙏🏼
Great to hear!
I've done the math and managed to change a pattern for my new weight.. what I find I am not sure on doing is looking at my stash and not wanting to resort to guessing whether i will have enough... its probably a math/swatch formula.. but I'm a hands on learner and if you have a formula I can run with it. thank you, will look for you on Ravelry too.
Hi! I replied to your message through Ravelry!
You are so awesome! Thank you for this!
You are so welcome!
Thanks for the video! I have been wondering how to do this! Great job explaining it!
I'm glad you found it useful!
I’m going to convert from a chunky to a dk. I don’t want to double the yarn because it will affect the print. It’s a child size drop sleeve pullover with no shaping other than the arm decreases and neck shaping and a hood. Wish me luck!
Better you than me! Good Luck!
Great informative video. Is the process easier if I want to use only one strand of yarn instead of holding 2 together. I can't do a gauge swatch as I don't yet have the yarn. Is it as simple as two lighter weight yarns equals one heavier weight yarn?
I watched your other videos on yarn weight, think I am getting closer to understanding.
In theory two lighter weight yarns can equal a heavier weight, but the only way to know for sure with your particular yarns is to swatch.
That's my goal!
Question: Would needle size stay the same or should that be proportionally cut down?
MATH: Lol I suffer with dyscalculia. So I just wing it. A hat will fit someone along the line.
Love you & your channel. You have some good content and you are not stuck up or stuffy like some on here.
Take Care x
Winging it is a totally viable approach LOL. I'm glad you like my videos!
Very good video. True, a bit complicated but worth it, if you’re game! And I never knew 2 strands of fingering is DK weight! Go figure! Where have I been for the past 5 years I’ve been knitting? Thank you for this. 😊
I'm so glad you got something from the video!
Hi Barbara Can I knit a teddy bear in 100 Peruvian wool and the clothes in a 50 Alpaca and 50 Suri wool the guages are the same but I need more drape on the clothes than the Bear will it work?
Thank You So much for this info. It's really helpful!!! Love you tutorials and videos!
You are so welcome!
Thank you Barbara!!! As usual you made it funny too!!
Whew! I was worried it would be BORING.
super informative - thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the information!
My pleasure!
This was so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!!
Glad it was helpful!
So glad I found your site today. Have been spending a lot of retirement time trying to figure this out. I had found you once before - now I am subscribed! Your channel will help me save a LOT of time from now on and I can do more knitting than researching on my own. Yippee!
Thank you! How would I substitute different weight yarns for a crocheting pattern? I have a crochet cardigan pattern that calls for a 5 weight. I want to use a 4 weight. Thank you in advance.
I am afraid that I do not crochet so I cannot give you an educated response to this question. My guess would be that the process would be very similar with knitting a gauge swatch and doing the math.
Thank you. Gives a good basic explanation
Glad it was helpful!
This video helped me. Thank you.
I'm so glad! Have fun with it.
Thank you Barbara , it's very helpful
Wonderful!
Wonderful explanation 👏 Thank you 😊
Hi can you help me with this case I need to knit a stockinette stitch for a beanie that I have light/ DK weight yarn and 4mm needles and the pattern call for worsted weight yarn and 5.5mm needles not sure how many stitches should I cast on hope you can help thank you Gloria
All of the assistance I can provide is in this video. It depends entirely on your personal gauge. Your best bet would be to find a pattern designed for your yarn weight.
What if I use a higher mm needle with three strands of fingering yarn
(3ply) like no.7 to get equal to the no 9 (13mm) needle for the chunky yarn 'throw' pattern. Of course I would do the swatch given: 15 stitches and 14 rows per 4" square? Do you think it might work?. Please respond ASAP.
ruclips.net/video/Tc8igd30iN8/видео.html
Wonderful video! I understand the math with adjusting gauge. My question, the pattern I want to do calls for 2376yds worsted weight, the yarn I want to use is chunky, which I have 1040yds. Before I do all conversion math for gauge. How can I calculate if I have enough chunky yarn?
Super helpful, thank you!!
You're so welcome!
Thank you so much
You're most welcome